DURHAM County Council wants to improve below average performance in GCSE exams, say inspectors.

An Ofsted team says Durham is a 'good' education authority with a 'strong record' and is committed to raising achievement.

The percentage of pupils getting five or more A to C passes in their GCSEs last year was 41.5 per cent compared to the national figure of 49.9 per cent.

But the team notes that the county is tackling the issue by spending an extra £2m in each of the next three years to try and improve results.

Education director Keith Mitchell said: "Since the inspection was carried out we have been able to announce excellent GCSE results for this year, with an increase to almost 45 per cent - a level of improvement which is double the national rate."

The inspectors say that primary school pupils are getting a good start and results in tests of 11-year-olds are in line with the national average.

Results among sixth-formers are in line with those elsewhere but the county has a low staying on rate.

The percentage of schools with serious weaknesses or requiring special measures is well below the national average.

The report makes a few recommendations aimed at increasing school improvement, improving special educational needs provision and improving social inclusion.